Re: McKenna's 'I Can Make You Thin'

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for the great review and I also watched the show and disliked the same things you disliked about the book which he also showed in the show which is why I never read the book. I do however loved your review . Could you explain a bit more about how he explains hunger fullness signals that part sounds interesting. Thanks Eva

When I saw this book in my local public library, I forgot that I watched the author's TLC tv series by the same title. I hesitated to open the book, because I disliked the title. The notion that anybody can 'make' anyone else thin seems ridiculous! Nevertheless, I opened the book and was pleasantly surprised to read the '4 Golden Rules' which were the same guidelines proposed by almost every other intuitive eating book I previously read. So I checked out the book and continued reading.This book is short--only 7 chapters with only few 'success stories' and Q & As for each chapter. The author tells readers why they succeed with his approach in the first chapter. Then he proceeds to explain in detail his approach in the next 6 chapters.The second chapter introduces those 4 Golden Rules: (1) When you are hungry, eat; (2) Eat what you want, not what you think you should; (3) Eat consciously and enjoy every mouthful; and (4) When you think you are full, stop eating. He later explains that following rule (3) will help you easily follow the other rules. I appreciated his detailed description of the physical sensations and experiences associated with 'fullness', which many IE authors omit. He also includes a memory exercise mentally 'recalibrate' their inner hunger/fullness signals. So they can recognize those sensations at moderate, rather than extreme, levels. Above all he warns readers to weigh only once every 2 weeks, rather than weigh themselves daily.The third chapter describes the author's unique technique for implementing the IE guidelines: visualization. Likewise this book contained a CD which was a guided, relaxed visualization exercise. That exercise suggests that the listeners envision themselves at their ideal weight, going through a typical day, following the 4 eating guidelines, and coping with stress effectively without eating. I listened to that visualization CD at least once daily for the past 19 days and noticed immediate changes in my self-talk, eating habits and how I coped with stress. So that CD helped me actually utilize the information this book presents.The fourth chapter provides solutions for the "number-one reason people eat when they're not hungry (which) is to cover up a negative emotion or fill an emotional hole." I especially like his friend's quotation: "There aren't enough cookies in the world to make you feel loved and whole." The author describes recognizable differences between emotional and physical hunger. More importanly, he states: "Control your response to stress and you will no longer want or need to overeat." Then he describes 2 simple physical techniques which help the reader change how they respond to stress. However, I preferred to use the third visualization technique which he described on the CD.The fifth chapter described the importance of physical exercise and specific ways to increase motivation to exercise. I didn't gain much from that chapter, because I already love physical exercise. I know that I feel better (less pain, more energy) after exercise. So I have no problem with motivation. I can easily recall how much better exercise makes me feel.The sixth chapter addresses specific food cravings. These techniques seemed contradictory to golden rule 2 (Eat what you want). However many of the author's clients requested techniques to 'control cravings'. Perhaps suggestions on the CD that the listener will prefer healthier, fresher foods might eventually influence some good food/bad food cravings. I don't consider cravings problematic (I eat what I crave). So I didn't consider the 'craving buster' techniques presented in that chapter. I especially disliked the 'aversive' visualization technique for preventing cravings.The last chapter about self-sabotage was very helpful. The author discussed how people can sabotage their own weight loss efforts in order to protect themselves from what they believe might happen when they lose weight. Both weight loss and self-protection are positive intentions. So the author explained how to unite those disparate intentions and eliminate that internal struggle and self-sabotage. When I began reading this book and listening to the CD, I was already at my ideal weight. However, I would like to firm up my muscles and improve my gastrointestinal health. So during the CD visualization exercise, I saw myself at my ideal weight (easy for me) with firm muscles and a healthy body. I have lost almost an inch around my waist (without losing weight) and improved my upper arm muscle tone during the past few weeks. Visualizing myself with a healthier gastrointestinal system helped me get past memories of years of struggling with symptoms of celiac disease, food allergies and various gut infections. I had difficulty believing that I would ever feel well or have normal digestion. This CD helped me convince myself that I could feel healthy and strong again. I've recently noticed improved gastrointestinal health. I recommend this book and CD for:(1) Anyone who accepts intuitive eating guidelines, but has difficulty consistently following those. (2) Anyone who has difficulty believing that they can actually lose weight or improve their health.(3) Anyone who has a bad body image.(4) Anyone who consistently sabotages their weight loss or intuitive eating efforts.I disliked certain techniqes presented in this book. I also noticed and disliked some theoretical inconsistencies, i.e., the author initially suggested one idea and then later presented ideas which conflicted with the intial idea. However, someone, who is familiar with IE guidelines and wants new ways to implement those guidelines, may learn some useful techniques and insights from this book.

[Guest guest]

Hi Harry: I thought I already revealed waaaaay more of this book than is

necessary for a 'review'. I wanted to omit a few details to encourage you to

read the book yourself. However, the 2 techniques are briefly 'tapping' and

finger pressing to remind yourself of a pleasant memory. I hope I didn't just

overstep the boundaries of 'ethical review'. LOL Reread my comment about whom I

recommend will benefit from this book and CD.

SUE

>

> Thanks for the detailed review, Sue.

> At one point you say: " Then he describes 2 simple physical techniques which

> help the reader change how they respond to stress. "

> What are those 2 simple techniques?

>

>

> McKenna's 'I Can Make You Thin'

>

>

>

>

> When I saw this book in my local public library, I forgot that I watched the

> author's TLC tv series by the same title. I hesitated to open the book,

> because I disliked the title. The notion that anybody can 'make' anyone else

> thin seems ridiculous! Nevertheless, I opened the book and was pleasantly

> surprised to read the '4 Golden Rules' which were the same guidelines

> proposed by almost every other intuitive eating book I previously read. So I

> checked out the book and continued reading.

>

> This book is short--only 7 chapters with only few 'success stories' and Q & As

> for each chapter. The author tells readers why they succeed with his

> approach in the first chapter. Then he proceeds to explain in detail his

> approach in the next 6 chapters.

>

> The second chapter introduces those 4 Golden Rules: (1) When you are hungry,

> eat; (2) Eat what you want, not what you think you should; (3) Eat

> consciously and enjoy every mouthful; and (4) When you think you are full,

> stop eating. He later explains that following rule (3) will help you easily

> follow the other rules. I appreciated his detailed description of the

> physical sensations and experiences associated with 'fullness', which many

> IE authors omit. He also includes a memory exercise mentally 'recalibrate'

> their inner hunger/fullness signals. So they can recognize those sensations

> at moderate, rather than extreme, levels. Above all he warns readers to

> weigh only once every 2 weeks, rather than weigh themselves daily.

>

> The third chapter describes the author's unique technique for implementing

> the IE guidelines: visualization. Likewise this book contained a CD which

> was a guided, relaxed visualization exercise. That exercise suggests that

> the listeners envision themselves at their ideal weight, going through a

> typical day, following the 4 eating guidelines, and coping with stress

> effectively without eating. I listened to that visualization CD at least

> once daily for the past 19 days and noticed immediate changes in my

> self-talk, eating habits and how I coped with stress. So that CD helped me

> actually utilize the information this book presents.

>

> The fourth chapter provides solutions for the " number-one reason people eat

> when they're not hungry (which) is to cover up a negative emotion or fill an

> emotional hole. " I especially like his friend's quotation: " There aren't

> enough cookies in the world to make you feel loved and whole. " The author

> describes recognizable differences between emotional and physical hunger.

> More importanly, he states: " Control your response to stress and you will no

> longer want or need to overeat. " Then he describes 2 simple physical

> techniques which help the reader change how they respond to stress. However,

> I preferred to use the third visualization technique which he described on

> the CD.

>

> The fifth chapter described the importance of physical exercise and specific

> ways to increase motivation to exercise. I didn't gain much from that

> chapter, because I already love physical exercise. I know that I feel better

> (less pain, more energy) after exercise. So I have no problem with

> motivation. I can easily recall how much better exercise makes me feel.

>

> The sixth chapter addresses specific food cravings. These techniques seemed

> contradictory to golden rule 2 (Eat what you want). However many of the

> author's clients requested techniques to 'control cravings'. Perhaps

> suggestions on the CD that the listener will prefer healthier, fresher foods

> might eventually influence some good food/bad food cravings. I don't

> consider cravings problematic (I eat what I crave). So I didn't consider the

> 'craving buster' techniques presented in that chapter. I especially disliked

> the 'aversive' visualization technique for preventing cravings.

>

> The last chapter about self-sabotage was very helpful. The author discussed

> how people can sabotage their own weight loss efforts in order to protect

> themselves from what they believe might happen when they lose weight. Both

> weight loss and self-protection are positive intentions. So the author

> explained how to unite those disparate intentions and eliminate that

> internal struggle and self-sabotage.

>

> When I began reading this book and listening to the CD, I was already at my

> ideal weight. However, I would like to firm up my muscles and improve my

> gastrointestinal health. So during the CD visualization exercise, I saw

> myself at my ideal weight (easy for me) with firm muscles and a healthy

> body. I have lost almost an inch around my waist (without losing weight) and

> improved my upper arm muscle tone during the past few weeks. Visualizing

> myself with a healthier gastrointestinal system helped me get past memories

> of years of struggling with symptoms of celiac disease, food allergies and

> various gut infections. I had difficulty believing that I would ever feel

> well or have normal digestion. This CD helped me convince myself that I

> could feel healthy and strong again. I've recently noticed improved

> gastrointestinal health.

>

> I recommend this book and CD for:

>

> (1) Anyone who accepts intuitive eating guidelines, but has difficulty

> consistently following those.

>

> (2) Anyone who has difficulty believing that they can actually lose weight

> or improve their health.

>

> (3) Anyone who has a bad body image.

>

> (4) Anyone who consistently sabotages their weight loss or intuitive eating

> efforts.

>

> I disliked certain techniqes presented in this book. I also noticed and

> disliked some theoretical inconsistencies, i.e., the author initially

> suggested one idea and then later presented ideas which conflicted with the

> intial idea. However, someone, who is familiar with IE guidelines and wants

> new ways to implement those guidelines, may learn some useful techniques and

> insights from this book.

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much Sue Eva

Hi Eva: I noticed, when I reread my 'review', that I omitted a few words in the sentence about hunger/fullness signals. What I meant to say was "He also includes a memory exercise which teaches readers to mentally 'recalibrate' their inner hunger/fullness signals." I believe he intended that we recall what extremely hungry and painfully feels like, in order to realize that we do recognize those sensations, because many people claim that they never feel hungry or never feel full. Then we can become more and more aware of less extreme cues until we recognize moderate, comfortable levels of hunger and fullness. He also emphasizes that learning to recognize those sensations is like developing muscle strength. The more we work at responding to those cues, the stronger those sensations will seem to us. Likewise the more often we ignore those cues, the less easily we will recognize them. Maybe we strengthen our 'pay attention to body cues' muscle. LOLSUESUE>> Thank you so much for the great review and I also watched the show and > disliked the same things you disliked about the book which he also showed in > the show which is why I never read the book. I do however loved your review > . Could you explain a bit more about how he explains hunger fullness > signals that part sounds interesting. Thanks Eva> > > > > > > > When I saw this book in my local public library, I forgot that I watched > the author's TLC tv series by the same title. I hesitated to open the book, > because I disliked the title. The notion that anybody can 'make' anyone else > thin seems ridiculous! Nevertheless, I opened the book and was pleasantly > surprised to read the '4 Golden Rules' which were the same guidelines > proposed by almost every other intuitive eating book I previously read. So I > checked out the book and continued reading.> > This book is short--only 7 chapters with only few 'success stories' and > Q & As for each chapter. The author tells readers why they succeed with his > approach in the first chapter. Then he proceeds to explain in detail his > approach in the next 6 chapters.> > The second chapter introduces those 4 Golden Rules: (1) When you are > hungry, eat; (2) Eat what you want, not what you think you should; (3) Eat > consciously and enjoy every mouthful; and (4) When you think you are full, stop > eating. He later explains that following rule (3) will help you easily > follow the other rules. I appreciated his detailed description of the physical > sensations and experiences associated with 'fullness', which many IE > authors omit. He also includes a memory exercise mentally 'recalibrate' their > inner hunger/fullness signals. So they can recognize those sensations at > moderate, rather than extreme, levels. Above all he warns readers to weigh only > once every 2 weeks, rather than weigh themselves daily.> > The third chapter describes the author's unique technique for implementing > the IE guidelines: visualization. Likewise this book contained a CD which > was a guided, relaxed visualization exercise. That exercise suggests that > the listeners envision themselves at their ideal weight, going through a > typical day, following the 4 eating guidelines, and coping with stress > effectively without eating. I listened to that visualization CD at least once > daily for the past 19 days and noticed immediate changes in my self-talk, > eating habits and how I coped with stress. So that CD helped me actually utilize > the information this book presents.> > The fourth chapter provides solutions for the "number-one reason people > eat when they're not hungry (which) is to cover up a negative emotion or fill > an emotional hole." I especially like his friend's quotation: "There > aren't enough cookies in the world to make you feel loved and whole." The author > describes recognizable differences between emotional and physical hunger. > More importanly, he states: "Control your response to stress and you will > no longer want or need to overeat." Then he describes 2 simple physical > techniques which help the reader change how they respond to stress. However, I > preferred to use the third visualization technique which he described on the > CD.> > The fifth chapter described the importance of physical exercise and > specific ways to increase motivation to exercise. I didn't gain much from that > chapter, because I already love physical exercise. I know that I feel better > (less pain, more energy) after exercise. So I have no problem with > motivation. I can easily recall how much better exercise makes me feel.> > The sixth chapter addresses specific food cravings. These techniques > seemed contradictory to golden rule 2 (Eat what you want). However many of the > author's clients requested techniques to 'control cravings'. Perhaps > suggestions on the CD that the listener will prefer healthier, fresher foods > might eventually influence some good food/bad food cravings. I don't consider > cravings problematic (I eat what I crave). So I didn't consider the 'craving > buster' techniques presented in that chapter. I especially disliked the > 'aversive' visualization technique for preventing cravings.> > The last chapter about self-sabotage was very helpful. The author > discussed how people can sabotage their own weight loss efforts in order to protect > themselves from what they believe might happen when they lose weight. Both > weight loss and self-protection are positive intentions. So the author > explained how to unite those disparate intentions and eliminate that internal > struggle and self-sabotage. > > When I began reading this book and listening to the CD, I was already at > my ideal weight. However, I would like to firm up my muscles and improve my > gastrointestinal health. So during the CD visualization exercise, I saw > myself at my ideal weight (easy for me) with firm muscles and a healthy body. > I have lost almost an inch around my waist (without losing weight) and > improved my upper arm muscle tone during the past few weeks. Visualizing myself > with a healthier gastrointestinal system helped me get past memories of > years of struggling with symptoms of celiac disease, food allergies and > various gut infections. I had difficulty believing that I would ever feel well > or have normal digestion. This CD helped me convince myself that I could > feel healthy and strong again. I've recently noticed improved gastrointestinal > health. > > I recommend this book and CD for:> > (1) Anyone who accepts intuitive eating guidelines, but has difficulty > consistently following those. > > (2) Anyone who has difficulty believing that they can actually lose weight > or improve their health.> > (3) Anyone who has a bad body image.> > (4) Anyone who consistently sabotages their weight loss or intuitive > eating efforts.> > I disliked certain techniqes presented in this book. I also noticed and > disliked some theoretical inconsistencies, i.e., the author initially > suggested one idea and then later presented ideas which conflicted with the intial > idea. However, someone, who is familiar with IE guidelines and wants new > ways to implement those guidelines, may learn some useful techniques and > insights from this book.>

[Guest guest]

Its pokay Sue your reviews are still great Eva

Hi Eva: Sorry, I accidentally omitted another important word AGAIN! LOL What I intended to say was "I believe he intended that we recall what extremely hungry and painfully FULL feels like, in order to realize that we do recognize those sensations, because many people claim that they never feel hungry or never feel full." I'm so busy checking for typos and misspelled words that I don't notice omitted words anymore. SIGH SUE>> Thanks so much Sue Eva> > > > > > > > Hi Eva: I noticed, when I reread my 'review', that I omitted a few words in > the sentence about hunger/fullness signals. What I meant to say was "He > also includes a memory exercise which teaches readers to mentally > 'recalibrate' their inner hunger/fullness signals." I believe he intended that we > recall what extremely hungry and painfully feels like, in order to realize that > we do recognize those sensations, because many people claim that they > never feel hungry or never feel full. Then we can become more and more aware of > less extreme cues until we recognize moderate, comfortable levels of > hunger and fullness. He also emphasizes that learning to recognize those > sensations is like developing muscle strength. The more we work at responding to > those cues, the stronger those sensations will seem to us. Likewise the more > often we ignore those cues, the less easily we will recognize them. Maybe > we strengthen our 'pay attention to body cues' muscle. LOL> > SUE> > SUE> > --- In _IntuitiveEating_IntuitiveEating_Intuiti_ > (mailto:IntuitiveEating_Support ) , eidwriter@, ei> >> > Thank you so much for the great review and I also watched the show and > > disliked the same things you disliked about the book which he also > showed in > > the show which is why I never read the book. I do however loved your > review > > . Could you explain a bit more about how he explains hunger fullness > > signals that part sounds interesting. Thanks Eva> > > > > > In a message dated 3/28/2010 11:49:30 P.M. Central Daylight Time, > > penguinea@ peng> > > > > > > > > > When I saw this book in my local public library, I forgot that I watched > > the author's TLC tv series by the same title. I hesitated to open the > book, > > because I disliked the title. The notion that anybody can 'make' anyone > else > > thin seems ridiculous! Nevertheless, I opened the book and was > pleasantly > > surprised to read the '4 Golden Rules' which were the same guidelines > > proposed by almost every other intuitive eating book I previously read. > So I > > checked out the book and continued reading.> > > > This book is short--only 7 chapters with only few 'success stories' and > > Q & As for each chapter. The author tells readers why they succeed with > his > > approach in the first chapter. Then he proceeds to explain in detail his > > approach in the next 6 chapters.> > > > The second chapter introduces those 4 Golden Rules: (1) When you are > > hungry, eat; (2) Eat what you want, not what you think you should; (3) > Eat > > consciously and enjoy every mouthful; and (4) When you think you are > full, stop > > eating. He later explains that following rule (3) will help you easily > > follow the other rules. I appreciated his detailed description of the > physical > > sensations and experiences associated with 'fullness', which many IE > > authors omit. He also includes a memory exercise mentally 'recalibrate' > their > > inner hunger/fullness signals. So they can recognize those sensations at > > moderate, rather than extreme, levels. Above all he warns readers to > weigh only > > once every 2 weeks, rather than weigh themselves daily.> > > > The third chapter describes the author's unique technique for > implementing > > the IE guidelines: visualization. Likewise this book contained a CD > which > > was a guided, relaxed visualization exercise. That exercise suggests > that > > the listeners envision themselves at their ideal weight, going through a > > typical day, following the 4 eating guidelines, and coping with stress > > effectively without eating. I listened to that visualization CD at least > once > > daily for the past 19 days and noticed immediate changes in my > self-talk, > > eating habits and how I coped with stress. So that CD helped me actually > utilize > > the information this book presents.> > > > The fourth chapter provides solutions for the "number-one reason people > > eat when they're not hungry (which) is to cover up a negative emotion or > fill > > an emotional hole." I especially like his friend's quotation: "There > > aren't enough cookies in the world to make you feel loved and whole." > The author > > describes recognizable differences between emotional and physical > hunger. > > More importanly, he states: "Control your response to stress and you > will > > no longer want or need to overeat." Then he describes 2 simple physical > > techniques which help the reader change how they respond to stress. > However, I > > preferred to use the third visualization technique which he described on > the > > CD.> > > > The fifth chapter described the importance of physical exercise and > > specific ways to increase motivation to exercise. I didn't gain much > from that > > chapter, because I already love physical exercise. I know that I feel > better > > (less pain, more energy) after exercise. So I have no problem with > > motivation. I can easily recall how much better exercise makes me feel.> > > > The sixth chapter addresses specific food cravings. These techniques > > seemed contradictory to golden rule 2 (Eat what you want). However many > of the > > author's clients requested techniques to 'control cravings'. Perhaps > > suggestions on the CD that the listener will prefer healthier, fresher > foods > > might eventually influence some good food/bad food cravings. I don't > consider > > cravings problematic (I eat what I crave). So I didn't consider the > 'craving > > buster' techniques presented in that chapter. I especially disliked the > > 'aversive' visualization technique for preventing cravings.> > > > The last chapter about self-sabotage was very helpful. The author > > discussed how people can sabotage their own weight loss efforts in order > to protect > > themselves from what they believe might happen when they lose weight. > Both > > weight loss and self-protection are positive intentions. So the author > > explained how to unite those disparate intentions and eliminate that > internal > > struggle and self-sabotage. > > > > When I began reading this book and listening to the CD, I was already at > > my ideal weight. However, I would like to firm up my muscles and improve > my > > gastrointestinal health. So during the CD visualization exercise, I saw > > myself at my ideal weight (easy for me) with firm muscles and a healthy > body. > > I have lost almost an inch around my waist (without losing weight) and > > improved my upper arm muscle tone during the past few weeks. Visualizing > myself > > with a healthier gastrointestinal system helped me get past memories of > > years of struggling with symptoms of celiac disease, food allergies and > > various gut infections. I had difficulty believing that I would ever > feel well > > or have normal digestion. This CD helped me convince myself that I could > > feel healthy and strong again. I've recently noticed improved > gastrointestinal > > health. > > > > I recommend this book and CD for:> > > > (1) Anyone who accepts intuitive eating guidelines, but has difficulty > > consistently following those. > > > > (2) Anyone who has difficulty believing that they can actually lose > weight > > or improve their health.> > > > (3) Anyone who has a bad body image.> > > > (4) Anyone who consistently sabotages their weight loss or intuitive > > eating efforts.> > > > I disliked certain techniqes presented in this book. I also noticed and > > disliked some theoretical inconsistencies, i.e., the author initially > > suggested one idea and then later presented ideas which conflicted with > the intial > > idea. However, someone, who is familiar with IE guidelines and wants new > > ways to implement those guidelines, may learn some useful techniques and > > insights from this book.> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi Eva: I noticed, when I reread my 'review', that I omitted a few words in the

sentence about hunger/fullness signals. What I meant to say was " He also

includes a memory exercise which teaches readers to mentally 'recalibrate' their

inner hunger/fullness signals. " I believe he intended that we recall what

extremely hungry and painfully feels like, in order to realize that we do

recognize those sensations, because many people claim that they never feel

hungry or never feel full. Then we can become more and more aware of less

extreme cues until we recognize moderate, comfortable levels of hunger and

fullness. He also emphasizes that learning to recognize those sensations is like

developing muscle strength. The more we work at responding to those cues, the

stronger those sensations will seem to us. Likewise the more often we ignore

those cues, the less easily we will recognize them. Maybe we strengthen our

'pay attention to body cues' muscle. LOL

SUE

SUE

>

> Thank you so much for the great review and I also watched the show and

> disliked the same things you disliked about the book which he also showed in

> the show which is why I never read the book. I do however loved your review

> . Could you explain a bit more about how he explains hunger fullness

> signals that part sounds interesting. Thanks Eva

>

>

> In a message dated 3/28/2010 11:49:30 P.M. Central Daylight Time,

> penguinea@... writes:

>

>

>

>

> When I saw this book in my local public library, I forgot that I watched

> the author's TLC tv series by the same title. I hesitated to open the book,

> because I disliked the title. The notion that anybody can 'make' anyone else

> thin seems ridiculous! Nevertheless, I opened the book and was pleasantly

> surprised to read the '4 Golden Rules' which were the same guidelines

> proposed by almost every other intuitive eating book I previously read. So I

> checked out the book and continued reading.

>

> This book is short--only 7 chapters with only few 'success stories' and

> Q & As for each chapter. The author tells readers why they succeed with his

> approach in the first chapter. Then he proceeds to explain in detail his

> approach in the next 6 chapters.

>

> The second chapter introduces those 4 Golden Rules: (1) When you are

> hungry, eat; (2) Eat what you want, not what you think you should; (3) Eat

> consciously and enjoy every mouthful; and (4) When you think you are full,

stop

> eating. He later explains that following rule (3) will help you easily

> follow the other rules. I appreciated his detailed description of the

physical

> sensations and experiences associated with 'fullness', which many IE

> authors omit. He also includes a memory exercise mentally 'recalibrate' their

> inner hunger/fullness signals. So they can recognize those sensations at

> moderate, rather than extreme, levels. Above all he warns readers to weigh

only

> once every 2 weeks, rather than weigh themselves daily.

>

> The third chapter describes the author's unique technique for implementing

> the IE guidelines: visualization. Likewise this book contained a CD which

> was a guided, relaxed visualization exercise. That exercise suggests that

> the listeners envision themselves at their ideal weight, going through a

> typical day, following the 4 eating guidelines, and coping with stress

> effectively without eating. I listened to that visualization CD at least once

> daily for the past 19 days and noticed immediate changes in my self-talk,

> eating habits and how I coped with stress. So that CD helped me actually

utilize

> the information this book presents.

>

> The fourth chapter provides solutions for the " number-one reason people

> eat when they're not hungry (which) is to cover up a negative emotion or fill

> an emotional hole. " I especially like his friend's quotation: " There

> aren't enough cookies in the world to make you feel loved and whole. " The

author

> describes recognizable differences between emotional and physical hunger.

> More importanly, he states: " Control your response to stress and you will

> no longer want or need to overeat. " Then he describes 2 simple physical

> techniques which help the reader change how they respond to stress. However, I

> preferred to use the third visualization technique which he described on the

> CD.

>

> The fifth chapter described the importance of physical exercise and

> specific ways to increase motivation to exercise. I didn't gain much from that

> chapter, because I already love physical exercise. I know that I feel better

> (less pain, more energy) after exercise. So I have no problem with

> motivation. I can easily recall how much better exercise makes me feel.

>

> The sixth chapter addresses specific food cravings. These techniques

> seemed contradictory to golden rule 2 (Eat what you want). However many of

the

> author's clients requested techniques to 'control cravings'. Perhaps

> suggestions on the CD that the listener will prefer healthier, fresher foods

> might eventually influence some good food/bad food cravings. I don't consider

> cravings problematic (I eat what I crave). So I didn't consider the 'craving

> buster' techniques presented in that chapter. I especially disliked the

> 'aversive' visualization technique for preventing cravings.

>

> The last chapter about self-sabotage was very helpful. The author

> discussed how people can sabotage their own weight loss efforts in order to

protect

> themselves from what they believe might happen when they lose weight. Both

> weight loss and self-protection are positive intentions. So the author

> explained how to unite those disparate intentions and eliminate that internal

> struggle and self-sabotage.

>

> When I began reading this book and listening to the CD, I was already at

> my ideal weight. However, I would like to firm up my muscles and improve my

> gastrointestinal health. So during the CD visualization exercise, I saw

> myself at my ideal weight (easy for me) with firm muscles and a healthy body.

> I have lost almost an inch around my waist (without losing weight) and

> improved my upper arm muscle tone during the past few weeks. Visualizing

myself

> with a healthier gastrointestinal system helped me get past memories of

> years of struggling with symptoms of celiac disease, food allergies and

> various gut infections. I had difficulty believing that I would ever feel

well

> or have normal digestion. This CD helped me convince myself that I could

> feel healthy and strong again. I've recently noticed improved

gastrointestinal

> health.

>

> I recommend this book and CD for:

>

> (1) Anyone who accepts intuitive eating guidelines, but has difficulty

> consistently following those.

>

> (2) Anyone who has difficulty believing that they can actually lose weight

> or improve their health.

>

> (3) Anyone who has a bad body image.

>

> (4) Anyone who consistently sabotages their weight loss or intuitive

> eating efforts.

>

> I disliked certain techniqes presented in this book. I also noticed and

> disliked some theoretical inconsistencies, i.e., the author initially

> suggested one idea and then later presented ideas which conflicted with the

intial

> idea. However, someone, who is familiar with IE guidelines and wants new

> ways to implement those guidelines, may learn some useful techniques and

> insights from this book.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Eva: Sorry, I accidentally omitted another important word AGAIN! LOL What I

intended to say was " I believe he intended that we recall what extremely hungry

and painfully FULL feels like, in order to realize that we do recognize those

sensations, because many people claim that they never feel hungry or never feel

full. " I'm so busy checking for typos and misspelled words that I don't notice

omitted words anymore. SIGH

SUE

>

> Thanks so much Sue Eva

>

>

> In a message dated 3/29/2010 12:58:47 P.M. Central Daylight Time,

> penguinea@... writes:

>

>

>

>

> Hi Eva: I noticed, when I reread my 'review', that I omitted a few words in

> the sentence about hunger/fullness signals. What I meant to say was " He

> also includes a memory exercise which teaches readers to mentally

> 'recalibrate' their inner hunger/fullness signals. " I believe he intended

that we

> recall what extremely hungry and painfully feels like, in order to realize

that

> we do recognize those sensations, because many people claim that they

> never feel hungry or never feel full. Then we can become more and more aware

of

> less extreme cues until we recognize moderate, comfortable levels of

> hunger and fullness. He also emphasizes that learning to recognize those

> sensations is like developing muscle strength. The more we work at responding

to

> those cues, the stronger those sensations will seem to us. Likewise the more

> often we ignore those cues, the less easily we will recognize them. Maybe

> we strengthen our 'pay attention to body cues' muscle. LOL

>

> SUE

>

> SUE

>

> --- In _IntuitiveEating_IntuitiveEating_Intuiti_

> (mailto:IntuitiveEating_Support ) , eidwriter@, ei

> >

> > Thank you so much for the great review and I also watched the show and

> > disliked the same things you disliked about the book which he also

> showed in

> > the show which is why I never read the book. I do however loved your

> review

> > . Could you explain a bit more about how he explains hunger fullness

> > signals that part sounds interesting. Thanks Eva

> >

> >

> > In a message dated 3/28/2010 11:49:30 P.M. Central Daylight Time,

> > penguinea@ peng

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > When I saw this book in my local public library, I forgot that I watched

> > the author's TLC tv series by the same title. I hesitated to open the

> book,

> > because I disliked the title. The notion that anybody can 'make' anyone

> else

> > thin seems ridiculous! Nevertheless, I opened the book and was

> pleasantly

> > surprised to read the '4 Golden Rules' which were the same guidelines

> > proposed by almost every other intuitive eating book I previously read.

> So I

> > checked out the book and continued reading.

> >

> > This book is short--only 7 chapters with only few 'success stories' and

> > Q & As for each chapter. The author tells readers why they succeed with

> his

> > approach in the first chapter. Then he proceeds to explain in detail his

> > approach in the next 6 chapters.

> >

> > The second chapter introduces those 4 Golden Rules: (1) When you are

> > hungry, eat; (2) Eat what you want, not what you think you should; (3)

> Eat

> > consciously and enjoy every mouthful; and (4) When you think you are

> full, stop

> > eating. He later explains that following rule (3) will help you easily

> > follow the other rules. I appreciated his detailed description of the

> physical

> > sensations and experiences associated with 'fullness', which many IE

> > authors omit. He also includes a memory exercise mentally 'recalibrate'

> their

> > inner hunger/fullness signals. So they can recognize those sensations at

> > moderate, rather than extreme, levels. Above all he warns readers to

> weigh only

> > once every 2 weeks, rather than weigh themselves daily.

> >

> > The third chapter describes the author's unique technique for

> implementing

> > the IE guidelines: visualization. Likewise this book contained a CD

> which

> > was a guided, relaxed visualization exercise. That exercise suggests

> that

> > the listeners envision themselves at their ideal weight, going through a

> > typical day, following the 4 eating guidelines, and coping with stress

> > effectively without eating. I listened to that visualization CD at least

> once

> > daily for the past 19 days and noticed immediate changes in my

> self-talk,

> > eating habits and how I coped with stress. So that CD helped me actually

> utilize

> > the information this book presents.

> >

> > The fourth chapter provides solutions for the " number-one reason people

> > eat when they're not hungry (which) is to cover up a negative emotion or

> fill

> > an emotional hole. " I especially like his friend's quotation: " There

> > aren't enough cookies in the world to make you feel loved and whole. "

> The author

> > describes recognizable differences between emotional and physical

> hunger.

> > More importanly, he states: " Control your response to stress and you

> will

> > no longer want or need to overeat. " Then he describes 2 simple physical

> > techniques which help the reader change how they respond to stress.

> However, I

> > preferred to use the third visualization technique which he described on

> the

> > CD.

> >

> > The fifth chapter described the importance of physical exercise and

> > specific ways to increase motivation to exercise. I didn't gain much

> from that

> > chapter, because I already love physical exercise. I know that I feel

> better

> > (less pain, more energy) after exercise. So I have no problem with

> > motivation. I can easily recall how much better exercise makes me feel.

> >

> > The sixth chapter addresses specific food cravings. These techniques

> > seemed contradictory to golden rule 2 (Eat what you want). However many

> of the

> > author's clients requested techniques to 'control cravings'. Perhaps

> > suggestions on the CD that the listener will prefer healthier, fresher

> foods

> > might eventually influence some good food/bad food cravings. I don't

> consider

> > cravings problematic (I eat what I crave). So I didn't consider the

> 'craving

> > buster' techniques presented in that chapter. I especially disliked the

> > 'aversive' visualization technique for preventing cravings.

> >

> > The last chapter about self-sabotage was very helpful. The author

> > discussed how people can sabotage their own weight loss efforts in order

> to protect

> > themselves from what they believe might happen when they lose weight.

> Both

> > weight loss and self-protection are positive intentions. So the author

> > explained how to unite those disparate intentions and eliminate that

> internal

> > struggle and self-sabotage.

> >

> > When I began reading this book and listening to the CD, I was already at

> > my ideal weight. However, I would like to firm up my muscles and improve

> my

> > gastrointestinal health. So during the CD visualization exercise, I saw

> > myself at my ideal weight (easy for me) with firm muscles and a healthy

> body.

> > I have lost almost an inch around my waist (without losing weight) and

> > improved my upper arm muscle tone during the past few weeks. Visualizing

> myself

> > with a healthier gastrointestinal system helped me get past memories of

> > years of struggling with symptoms of celiac disease, food allergies and

> > various gut infections. I had difficulty believing that I would ever

> feel well

> > or have normal digestion. This CD helped me convince myself that I could

> > feel healthy and strong again. I've recently noticed improved

> gastrointestinal

> > health.

> >

> > I recommend this book and CD for:

> >

> > (1) Anyone who accepts intuitive eating guidelines, but has difficulty

> > consistently following those.

> >

> > (2) Anyone who has difficulty believing that they can actually lose

> weight

> > or improve their health.

> >

> > (3) Anyone who has a bad body image.

> >

> > (4) Anyone who consistently sabotages their weight loss or intuitive

> > eating efforts.

> >

> > I disliked certain techniqes presented in this book. I also noticed and

> > disliked some theoretical inconsistencies, i.e., the author initially

> > suggested one idea and then later presented ideas which conflicted with

> the intial

> > idea. However, someone, who is familiar with IE guidelines and wants new

> > ways to implement those guidelines, may learn some useful techniques and

> > insights from this book.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Sue, thanks for such a thorough review! Another book I'll have to check out.

Jeanne